Philosophy

“Spacelab” was founded by Luca Silenzi (1972) and Zoe Chantall Monterubbiano (1973) architects in 2004.

Why

The name Spacelab refers to the spatial essence of architecture and design discipline: the office is intended as an architectural and design research laboratory, guided by a continuous development and refinement of rough ideas into cutting-edge formal results and functional performances. This excellence-driven approach led Spacelab on the podium of several national and international architecture competitions, often in synergy with world-class international offices like Ove Arup and Partners, Cebra, Majowiecki Engineering.

Where

Based in Fermo, central Italy, the office has worked internationally since its inception and produced a wide range of work: public buildings, infrastructure, offices, residential, product design and urban masterplans. Spacelab design pays a special attention to new industry production methods, and with the contribution of new design techniques, to approach the complex nature of product, architectural and urban project with smart working strategies: optimism, excellence and state-of-the-art execution.

Works and op-eds of Spacelab and its directors Luca Silenzi/Zoè Chantall Monterubbiano are published and exhibited worldwide in the most prestigious venues and architecture and design magazines/websites (Domus, Abitare, Interni, Architectural Digest, Clog, Studio, Ottagono, ArchDaily, Dezeen).

Spacelab, on invitation by the artistic director Rem Koolhaas, in 2014 was among the contributors of the international section of the XIV Biennale di Architettura di Venezia with the curatorial project State of Exception.

Spacelab flagship modular design is published in the ADI Design Index 2016 and shortlisted for Compasso d’Oro 2018 — the most ancient and authoritative design prize in the world, introduced by Gio Ponti in 1958.